Chicken prices remain stable in Polewali Mandar as ramadan begins

As Ramadan gets under way, residents of Polewali Mandar Regency in West Sulawesi can expect steady chicken prices despite earlier concerns about increases.

Local authorities say the situation remains under control and supplies are more than adequate to meet seasonal demand.

Fitriani, Head of the Food Security Division at the Marine and Fisheries Office of Polewali Mandar, confirmed that recent price rises are still within acceptable limits. “There has been an increase, but it is still reasonable and below the Government Reference Price (HAP) set by the government,” she said.

Alongside the Industry and Trade Office and officers from the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police, she inspected Pasar Sentral Pekkabata to assess the market situation. According to Fitriani, live chickens are currently selling for around Rp70,000 per bird, with an average weight of 2.5 kilograms.

“The current market price per bird is Rp70,000, with an average weight of 2.5 kilograms. That means the price per kilogram is only around Rp28,000. This is not far from the government’s HAP of Rp25,000 per kilogram for live chickens at the producer or farmer level,” she explained.

She added that supplies in Polewali Mandar are secure, with traders holding up to twice their usual stock. The modest price rise is seen as a seasonal trend linked to increased demand before Ramadan, when families traditionally hold thanksgiving gatherings and prepare special meals.

At provincial level, Nur Kadar from the Food Crops, Horticulture, and Livestock Office of West Sulawesi said prices remain stable across the region. Meanwhile, at national level, the Ministry of Agriculture has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding both consumers and traders.

“In line with the Minister of Agriculture’s directive, we want to ensure the public obtains products that are safe, healthy, wholesome, and halal at affordable prices, while traders still receive reasonable margins,” said Agung Suganda in Jakarta.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman also stressed that ample production and strong stocks should prevent unjustified price hikes. Authorities say monitoring will continue through Eid al Fitr to maintain steady supply and fair pricing.